Yankees Trying Third Baseman Out at Shortstop

Ryan McMahon will get a look at shortstop this spring as the Yankees search for a solution at the position.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 9:55pm

The New York Yankees are experimenting with third baseman Ryan McMahon at shortstop this spring as they try to find a solution at the position heading into the 2026 season. McMahon, known for his strong defense at third base, will get playing time at shortstop in upcoming spring training games as the team evaluates his potential to fill in there.

Why it matters

The Yankees are looking to shore up their shortstop position after Jose Caballero was named the temporary starter with top prospect Anthony Volpe still recovering from an injury. Trying McMahon at the position could give the team more flexibility with their infield if he proves capable of handling the duties.

The details

Manager Aaron Boone said the team wants to get a look at McMahon at shortstop, especially "considering the possible iterations of our roster coming out of camp." McMahon, who has primarily played third base in his career, last played shortstop in 2020 for a few innings. The Yankees are intrigued by his strong arm and athleticism, which could translate well to the position.

  • McMahon will play at shortstop on Tuesday and Thursday this week.
  • His first game at the position will be against Team Panama in the World Baseball Classic.

The players

Ryan McMahon

A third baseman for the New York Yankees known for his strong defense, the team is experimenting with playing him at shortstop this spring.

Jose Caballero

The temporary starting shortstop for the Yankees as the team waits for top prospect Anthony Volpe to recover from an injury.

Anthony Volpe

The Yankees' top shortstop prospect who is currently recovering from an injury and not ready to start the season.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees who is overseeing the team's experiment with playing McMahon at shortstop.

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What they’re saying

“I expect he'll be fine there, as natural a fielder as he is, but we'll see how it plays out a little bit.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager

“That's why I want to get him out there this spring, especially considering the possible iterations of our roster coming out of camp. His ability to do that maybe allows you to go a different way, so we'll see.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager

What’s next

Depending on how McMahon performs at shortstop in the upcoming spring training games, the Yankees' roster decisions heading into Opening Day could change.

The takeaway

The Yankees' willingness to experiment with McMahon at shortstop highlights their desire for versatility and flexibility in their infield, as they search for the best solution to fill the position until their top prospect is ready to take over.